Sheet Amount Indicator Amplifying Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet amount indicators in image forming apparatuses, particularly mechanical types, increase the size of the apparatus and restrict flexibility in paper-feeding mechanisms due to their lateral placement, and offer limited viewability and amplification of sheet quantity changes.
Innovation Solution
A sheet amount indicator system that includes a viewing part on the outer surface, an indicator member, a cooperative mechanism moving with the base plate, and an amplifying mechanism outside the stacking part to amplify the base plate's movement and transmit it to the indicator member, allowing for improved viewability and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical type sheet amount indicator is disposed on the lateral side of the sheet-feeding tray, then the indicator can mechanically detect sheet amount, but the image forming apparatus size increases and flexibility in paper-feeding mechanisms is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator mechanism is repositioned from a lateral arrangement to a vertical arrangement within the sheet-feeding tray structure. The first indicator arm rotates around a vertical shaft, and the second indicator arm rotates around a horizontal shaft, creating a multi-dimensional indicator movement path that fits within the tray's vertical space rather than requiring lateral extension of the apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator mechanism is nested within the sheet-feeding tray structure itself. The first indicator arm is supported by a shaft coaxial with the base plate shaft, and the second indicator arm is supported by a shaft on the lateral plate, creating a compact nested arrangement where the indicator components utilize the existing tray structure space rather than adding external volume.
2Measurement precision
If a mechanical type sheet amount indicator is disposed on the lateral side of the sheet-feeding tray, then the indicator can mechanically detect sheet amount, but flexibility in paper-feeding operating drivers is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning the indicator mechanism to a vertical arrangement within the tray rather than a lateral arrangement, the paper-feeding operating drivers can be positioned more flexibly in the horizontal plane without interference from the indicator mechanism, allowing for greater adaptability in paper-feeding design.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator mechanism is divided into separate functional components: the first indicator arm for vertical movement detection, the second indicator arm for horizontal movement detection, and the viewing part for display. This segmentation allows the paper-feeding mechanisms to be designed independently in different spatial zones, improving overall system flexibility.
3Productivity
If the base plate moves vertically to feed sheets, then sheets can be sequentially fed into the image forming part, but the sheet amount indicator movement range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator mechanism utilizes the vertical movement of the base plate dynamically to drive the indicator arms through mechanical linkage. As the base plate moves vertically to feed sheets, this movement is transmitted through the first indicator arm to rotate the second indicator arm, dynamically expanding the indicator's effective movement range beyond what would be possible from a static position.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate's vertical movement (one dimension) is converted into rotational movement of the indicator arms (another dimension). This dimensional transformation allows the indicator to cover a larger effective range by utilizing the vertical travel of the base plate rather than requiring the indicator itself to move vertically over the same distance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces the size of the image forming apparatus, enhances the viewability of sheet quantity, and maintains flexibility in paper-feeding mechanisms without increasing the apparatus's size, allowing for uninterrupted printing and efficient sheet replenishment.
Implementation Method 1
The base plate 102 is upwardly pressed by a spring 104 toward an upper side so as to allow a top sheet 103 to reach a not-illustrated pickup roller
Implementation Method 2
an amplifying mechanism disposed outside the sheet stacking part and connected to the cooperative mechanism so as to amplify the movement of the cooperative mechanism to transmit the amplified movement to the indicator member
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments relate to a sheet amount indicator for use in a sheet-feeding tray. The sheet-feeding tray includes a sheet stacking part having a base plate where sheets are stacked, and the base plate is configured to rise up for feeding of a topmost sheet stacked. The sheet amount indicator includes a viewing part disposed on an outer surface of the sheet stacking part, an indicator member configured to move as seen through the viewing part, a cooperative mechanism configured to move in accordance with a vertical movement of the base plate, and an amplifying mechanism disposed outside the sheet stacking part and connected to the cooperative mechanism so as to amplify the movement of the cooperative mechanism to transmit the amplified movement to the indicator member.